GAME REPORT

Marton Bader once more was solid for Szolnoki Olaj with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds

Fine performances by Hungarian duo Marton Bader and Balazs Simon paved the way for Szolnoki Olaj to take a 93-80 victory at BC Timisoara and secure second spot in EuroChallenge Group F.

The pair both posted vibrant performances in the road win, with the former claiming a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, whilst the latter was even more impressive with 20 points from six of eight floor shooting to go with his six assists.

Both clubs went into the clash with the same 1-1 records, but the visitors always looked the more likely winners after racing out of the blocks and into a double figure lead at 27-16.

Timisoara did initially respond positively to their predicament with a flurry of three-pointers either side of the first quarter break, but Szolnoki Olaj managed to continue holding the upper hand and led 51-41 heading into the second half.

They then extended their advantage to as many as 16 points during the third period, and that meant they were able to enjoy a relatively comfortable fourth quarter as the fight back home supporters craved, failed to materialise.

Zlatko Jovanovic had 22 points for BC Timisoara.

COACH QUOTES

Szolnoki head coach Peter Por"We defended aggressively, we started well, and then we stayed focused. We knew what Timisoara plays, we watched them, we did a very good scouting, and we gained an important win. We will play 3 matches at home, where we have great fans, and I hope that it will help us to obtain the qualification."

Szolnoki center Marton Bader"We played six games in a very short time, and we are a bit tired, but the team played very well today. We were very concentrated for 40 minutes, and when you are concentrated you can't lose. It helps us very much that we play in the Adriatic League, which is more powerful than the Hungarian Championship."

BC Timisoara head coach Predrag Badnjarevic"We knew that they are the better team, with a strong rotation, aggressive and solid. We let them score too many easy points and we offered them open shots, so they took advance. We came back a few times, but it was not enough. We knew the game that Szolnok plays, they did not take us by surprise, but we could not keep up with their rhythm."

BC Timisoara Player Zlatko Jovanovic"We prepared ourselves for this game, but we had a low start and then we had to run after them all the time during the game. This made us nervous at a certain point. Every time we let them play their game, they took advantage and they scored a lot of points! The qualification is not decided yet, but it will be very hard for us to be the first runners up. It is nice to play with such a public, both teams had great audiences."

COACH QUOTES

Szolnoki head coach Peter Por"We defended aggressively, we started well, and then we stayed focused. We knew what Timisoara plays, we watched them, we did a very good scouting, and we gained an important win. We will play 3 matches at home, where we have great fans, and I hope that it will help us to obtain the qualification."

Szolnoki center Marton Bader"We played six games in a very short time, and we are a bit tired, but the team played very well today. We were very concentrated for 40 minutes, and when you are concentrated you can't lose. It helps us very much that we play in the Adriatic League, which is more powerful than the Hungarian Championship."

BC Timisoara head coach Predrag Badnjarevic"We knew that they are the better team, with a strong rotation, aggressive and solid. We let them score too many easy points and we offered them open shots, so they took advance. We came back a few times, but it was not enough. We knew the game that Szolnok plays, they did not take us by surprise, but we could not keep up with their rhythm."

BC Timisoara Player Zlatko Jovanovic"We prepared ourselves for this game, but we had a low start and then we had to run after them all the time during the game. This made us nervous at a certain point. Every time we let them play their game, they took advantage and they scored a lot of points! The qualification is not decided yet, but it will be very hard for us to be the first runners up. It is nice to play with such a public, both teams had great audiences."